Eugenius of Trebizond

Saint Eugenius, martyr, suffered at Trebizond in the time of Diocletian, together with the martyrs Candidus, Valerian and Aquila. A cult of him developed at Trebizond. He is commemorated on 21 January (3 February by the new calendar).

Eugenius, together with the martyrs Candidus, Valerian and Aquila, was persecuted in the time of Diocletian (284 to 305) and Maximian (305 to 311). Candidus, Valerian and Aquila, when the persecution began, hid in the mountains near Trebizond, wishing rather to live among beasts than among pagans. They were found, however, by their pursuers, brought to Trebizond and subjected to cruel torments. They were beaten with ox sinews, scraped with iron, their wounds were sprinkled with salt, and they were burned with fire. After some days the holy martyr Eugenius was seized, and he was subjected to the same torments.

According to the English source, all four hid in the mountains above the city and were brought before the regimental commander, Lycius. They were flogged, tortured with fire and, at last, beheaded. After the torments, all four were thrown into a heated furnace, but when they came out unharmed, their heads were cut off. Eugenius is credited with the destruction of the pagan image on the "gray hill" overlooking the city, later known as the Mithratis.